Quercigliole's Palio

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Quercigliole’s Palio: horses speed through the sheep-track

Power, speed, strength. Division in the cheering of the various contrade and yet unity in tradition. This is the Palio delle Quercigliole of Ripalimosani.

This event has been held for more than two centuries, and although the origins are not known, what is certain is that it continues to be alive in the minds of the people of Ripi who gather every year, August 11 and 12, at the Quercigliole locality. Here, surrounded by the green hillside, people party with music and picnics while waiting for the race.

Tradition has it that the Palio was born in 1765 but editions are counted, with certainty, from 1807.

The race course is the cattle track that passes a short distance away, pulled up for the occasion. The only stretch of road that is crossed is covered with dirt so that the bottom of the approximately 1,000 meters to be traveled at full speed is uniform.

The jockeys, who ride“bareback,” meaning without a saddle, have only one goal: to get to the finish line first! These represent the six districts of the village: Villages, Morgione, Piazza, San Rocco, Santa Lucia and Castello.

A horse enters the church!

The “Quercigliole” locality of Ripalimosani is dominated by a small church, dedicated to the“Madonna of the Snow,” which stands on the top of the hill. And it is near it that the finish line is located.

The curiosity of the Palio is what the winning jockey enters the church together with the horse. This, thanks to a few taps, is made to kneel before the statue of Our Lady as a sign of thanksgiving. On the way out the celebration by his contrada while animated discussions continue about why the defeat by others.

The party continues, the hill is invaded by people who have specially returned or come from outside to watch the race. In the evening, the classic concert in the town center, which is lit up by a fireworks display at midnight.